David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu Watermelon Be sure to check watermelons coming out of the greenhouse or high tunnel for aphids and for spider mites. Both are much easier to deal with before transplantation into a field. Begin also scouting… Continue Reading
Emmalea Ernest, Extension Fruit & Vegetable Specialist; emmalea@udel.edu Many of my 2023 field research projects are completed and over the next few months I will be preparing trial reports and presentations for winter meetings. I look forward to sharing some… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Retired Extension Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Current weather patterns and heavy rains have set up conditions for the development of Phytophthora blight in watermelons. Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora capsici (P. cap) is a major limiting disease in watermelons. P. cap is… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Retired Extension Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Irregular ripening is a common problem that occurs in some watermelon fields each year. This is where varieties planted at the same time do not ripen evenly in a field. Fruits that look mature… Continue Reading
Gordon Johnson, Extension Vegetable & Fruit Specialist; gcjohn@udel.edu Hollow Heart Hollow heart is an internal crack in the flesh of the melon. Hollow heart is generally more severe in seedless varieties and in crown-set fruit. Research at the University of… Continue Reading
